# Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ)

> Cusco, PE · 3–4 km south of central Cusco

Web: https://airport.flights/airport/cuz
JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/cuz.json

## Facts

- **IATA**: CUZ
- **ICAO**: SPZO
- **Timezone**: America/Lima
- **Runways**: 1
- **Terminals**: 1
- **Passengers**: 5.1M/yr

## Overview

## Welcome

Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) serves as Cusco's high-altitude gateway. Situated just 3 to 4 km south of central Cusco, travelers can find themselves en route to the historic center in as little as 10–20 minutes by taxi. The airport sits at approximately 3,300 meters elevation, and passengers will feel the thin air immediately upon disembarking the plane. While many use it as a springboard to Machu Picchu, CUZ's dense network of tour agencies, SIM card vendors, and currency exchange counters can influence your initial hour in Peru more than you expect.

## At a glance

Handling around 5.1 million passengers annually, CUZ operates with a single runway and one passenger terminal, notably catering to LATAM Airlines, JetSmart, and Sky Airline. Despite its modest size, the airport supports a flurry of daily activity, particularly during the morning departures destined for Peru's iconic sites like Machu Picchu.

## Terminals & layout

With only one passenger terminal, Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport maintains a straightforward, albeit somewhat congested, setup. The terminal houses 10 dining options such as Café Starbucks and Peruvian Grill, as well as retail including Inka Peru Duty Free and Sol Alpaca. Frequent travelers should prepare for crowded conditions, especially during the peak morning hours.

## Getting to and from the city

For transport, the airport offers several options, each with varying costs and conveniences. Airport taxis often quote higher flat fees to the city center, around 20–30 soles, which can be negotiated. App-based services and street taxis via the main road outside the terminal might offer savings if you're comfortable with local practices. Budget-conscious travelers might consider the local bus Wanchaq Route for an economical journey, though crowded and not ideal for those with significant baggage.

## Traveller essentials

Given its altitude, staying hydrated and avoiding heavy meals or alcohol are advisable tips to combat altitude sickness right after landing. Money-wise, it's better to exchange currency in town due to unfavorable rates at airport counters. Pre-booked hotel transfers might not only save you money but also offer less stress, with drivers waiting just past baggage claim holding a sign with your name.

## Dining & shopping highlights

Dining at CUZ leans towards well-known franchises like McDonald's and more localized options like La Bonbonniere, with prices generally higher than in Cusco proper. If you find yourself in need of a last-minute gift, airside shops like Cusco Handicrafts and Helena Chocolates offer a variety of souvenirs albeit at premium rates.

## Lounges

The airport houses the Hanaq Cusco Lounge, located downstairs from the main departures level. With amenities like Wi-Fi, snacks, and quieter seating it serves as a refuge from the busy terminal. Access is possible with Priority Pass, Lounge Key, Diners Club, or a US$27 fee.

## Insider tips

- **Insider:** You can skip the chaotic taxi queue by arranging a pre-booked hotel transfer; drivers will greet you just past baggage claim.

- **Time:** Arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights to navigate the morning rush and enjoy a smoother check-in.

- **Money:** Negotiate with airport taxis; fares to the historic center can often be brought down to 20–30 soles.

- **Quiet:** For a more serene coffee break, head for the smaller cafés near the farther gates beyond security.

- **Avoid:** Steer clear of HEAVY meals prior to landing due to the airport’s high altitude; hydrating extensively is advised.

- **Local:** Guadaloupe alpaca shops offer cozy textiles, providing a quality yet speedy shopping option before you depart.

## Terminals (2)

- **Main Terminal** — 10 gates · LATAM Airlines, Sky Airline, JetSMART, Avianca
  Single-building terminal handling all domestic and limited international operations.
- **Passenger terminal** — LATAM Airlines, JetSmart, Sky Airline, Amaszonas

## Dining (18)

- **Bembos**
- **Café Altomayo**
- **Café Starbucks**
- **Chez Maggy**
- **Coffee Airport** — Passenger terminal · coffee restaurant · $$
- **Delicass**
- **Illy Caffè**
- **Juice Bar**
- **La Baguette** — Main Terminal · Bakery · Café · $$
- **La Bonbonniere**
- **McDonald's**
- **Peru Plaza Restaurant** — Main Terminal · Peruvian · Casual · $$
- **Peruvian Grill**
- **Starbucks** — Main Terminal · Coffee · Grab-and-go · $$
- **Sumaq Café** — Main Terminal · Café · Light meals · $$
- **Unnamed Snack Bar/Café (Post-Security)** — Main Terminal · Snack Bar · $
- **Unnamed Snack Bar/Café (Pre-Security #1)** — Main Terminal · Snack Bar · $
- **Unnamed Snack Bar/Café (Pre-Security #2)** — Main Terminal · Snack Bar · $

## Lounges (4)

- **Hanaq Cusco Lounge** — Main Terminal, Priority Pass + pay-in · $27
- **Hanaq Cusco Lounge (Hanaq VIP Lounge Cusco)** — Main Terminal · Priority Pass, LoungeKey, Dinero Club / Diner’s Club, Eligible premium/first-class tickets (airline-dependent), Paid entry at the door · Paid access available (around US$27, subject to change)
- **Hanaq VIP Lounge Cusco** — Main Terminal · Priority Pass, LoungeKey, Diners Club, Business/First class on participating airlines, Day pass $27 · $27
- **VIP Lounge Cusco SAC** — Main Terminal · Priority Pass (reported as accepted), Paid entry at the door, Select lounge/membership programs (varies) · Paid access available; pricing varies by program or at-door purchase.

## Shops (23)

- **Artisan Handicrafts** — Main Terminal · Local crafts
- **Bookstore (Pre-Security, 2nd Floor)** — Main Terminal · Bookstore
- **Coca Shop**
- **Cusco Handicrafts**
- **Duty Free Americas Cusco** — Main Terminal · Duty-free
- **duty-free shop** — Passenger terminal · duty-free
- **Helena Chocolates**
- **High-End Shop #1 (Post-Security)** — Main Terminal · High-end fashion & accessories
- **High-End Shop #2 (Post-Security)** — Main Terminal · Fine alpaca products
- **High-End Shop #3 (Post-Security)** — Main Terminal · Jewelry
- **High-End Shop #4 (Post-Security)** — Main Terminal · Luxury gifts & souvenirs
- **Inka Peru Duty Free**
- **Inka Store** — Main Terminal · Souvenirs
- **Kuna**
- **Magazine Shop**
- **News & Books** — Main Terminal · Books and magazines
- **Peru Gift Shop**
- **Peru Market** — Main Terminal · Souvenirs
- **Pharmacy Inkafarma**
- **Sol Alpaca**
- **souvenir shop** — Passenger terminal · souvenir
- **souvenir stall** — Passenger terminal · souvenir stall
- **Travel Accessories Store**

## Parking (7)

- **Employee Parking** — Staff
- **Hotel Shuttle Parking** — Hotel guests
- **Main Parking Lot** — Short-term
- **Main Terminal Parking Lot** — Surface lot · Directly in front of terminal
- **Overflow Parking** — Long-term
- **Short-Term Drop-off Area** — Surface lot · Adjacent to terminal entrance
- **Tour Bus Parking** — Tour operators

## Ground transport (13)

- **Airport Taxi Rank** — Taxi · 15-20 min · . No specific cost. Mentions of 'premium over local buses or colectivos', 'inconsistent pricing' and '20-30 soles' in text. · . No explicit frequency information provided.
- **Colectivo Vans** — Shared taxi · . No explicit time information provided. · . No explicit cost information provided. · . No explicit frequency information provided.
- **Hotel Shuttle Vans** — Shuttle · 15-30 min to major hotels · Varies by hotel · Coordinated with arriving flights or by reservation
  Some hotels and tour operators provide pre-booked shuttles that meet passengers in the arrivals area with name signs.
- **Local Bus Wanchaq Route** — Bus · . No explicit time information provided. · . No specific cost mentioned, only 'very cheap ride'. · . No explicit frequency information provided.
- **Local Street Taxi** — Taxi · 10-20 min to central Cusco · $3-7 · Frequent
  Non-airport taxis can be found on nearby streets but travelers are often advised to arrange secure taxis through their hotel or inside the terminal.
- **Official Airport Taxi** — Taxi · 10-20 min to central Cusco · $5-10 · On demand
  Prepaid or fixed-fare taxis are available at the arrivals area and are recommended over hailing on the street.
- **Prebooked Hotel Transfer** — Private car · 15-20 min · . Mentions 'a small additional fee' but no clear cost. · . No explicit frequency information provided.
- **Private Transfer Services** — Minivan · . No explicit time information provided. · . No clear cost provided; mentions 'flat fees' and 'close to taxi prices'. · . No explicit frequency information provided.
- **Public Minibuses (Combis) on Avenida Velasco Astete** — Bus · 20-30 min to central Cusco depending on route · $0.30-0.50 · Every few minutes during the day
  Combis run along the main avenue outside the airport but require walking out of the terminal and are usually used by locals rather than visitors with luggage.
- **Rideshare App Taxis** — App-based taxi · . No explicit time information provided. · . No specific cost provided; mentions 'approximate fare estimate'. · . No explicit frequency information provided.
- **Sacred Valley Shuttle** — Minibus · . No explicit time information provided. · . No explicit cost information provided. · . No explicit frequency information provided.
- **Tour Operator Shuttle** — Shuttle · 60-120 min to Sacred Valley towns · Typically included in tour price · Aligned with tour departures
  Travel agencies often coordinate group or private vans from the airport directly to Sacred Valley or Machu Picchu gateways.
- **Tour Operator Shuttles** — Coach · . No explicit time information provided. · . No explicit cost information provided. · . No explicit frequency information provided.

## Insider tips

- _Insider_: You can skip the chaotic taxi queue by arranging a pre-booked hotel transfer; drivers will greet you just past baggage claim.
- _Time_: Arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights to navigate the morning rush and enjoy a smoother check-in.
- _Money_: Negotiate with airport taxis; fares to the historic center can often be brought down to 20–30 soles.
- _Quiet_: For a more serene coffee break, head for the smaller cafés near the farther gates beyond security.
- _Avoid_: Steer clear of heavy meals prior to landing due to the airport’s high altitude; hydrating extensively is advised.
- _Local_: Guadaloupe alpaca shops offer cozy textiles, providing a quality yet speedy shopping option before you depart.